National Seminar on "Historical and Contemporary Perspectives of Environment in the Northwestern Himalayas"

Dates: 14–15 November 2026 (Kartik Shukla Panchami-Shashthi, Vikram Samvat 2083)

Venue: Thakur Ramsingh Itihas Sodh Sansthan, VPO Neri, Tehsil & District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh (177001)

Organized By: Thakur Ramsingh Itihas Sodh Sansthan, Neri, Hamirpur (H.P.)

Sponsored By: Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi

Introduction

The Northwestern Himalayas constitute an invaluable heritage of India, not only geographically but also from historical, cultural, and ecological perspectives. Since ancient times, this region has been a remarkable example of the balanced coexistence of human beings and nature. Its rivers, mountains, forests, lakes, glaciers, sacred groves (Dev Van), traditional agricultural systems, and folk practices reflect an environmental consciousness where nature is regarded not merely as a resource but as the foundation of life, culture, and spirituality.

However, the Himalayas are currently facing unprecedented environmental challenges including global climate change, rapid urbanisation, unplanned development, glacier degradation, drying water sources, and biodiversity loss. This national seminar provides a common academic platform for scholars, researchers, and teachers to engage in serious deliberations on the environmental history, cultural heritage, and contemporary challenges of the Northwestern Himalayas.

Objectives of the Seminar

1. To study the historical dimensions of environmental consciousness in the Northwestern Himalayas.
2. To analyse the interrelationship between cultural heritage and environmental conservation.
3. To reassess traditional environmental knowledge and conservation systems in Himalayan society.
4. To study climate change and environmental crisis from a historical perspective.
5. To analyse environmental concepts reflected in inscriptions, archival records, manuscripts, folklore, and archaeological evidence.
6. To establish dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and local communities.
7. To develop suggestions for the sustainable and balanced development of the Himalayan region based on historical experiences.

Sub-Themes for Research Papers

1. Environmental History of the Northwestern Himalayas
2. Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas and Environmental Traditions
3. Environmental References in Inscriptions, Archival Records, and Manuscripts
4. Himalayan Rivers, Water Sources, and Traditional Water Management
5. Local Deity Traditions and Nature Conservation
6. Biodiversity, Forests, and Ecological Balance
7. Climate Change and the Himalayas
8. Natural Disasters: History and Present
9. Himalayan Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Development
10. Role of Traditional Indian Knowledge in Environmental Conservation
11. Himalayan Architecture and Ecological Adaptation
12. Environmental Policy and the Future of the Himalayas

Important Dates & Submission Guidelines

Submission of Short Abstract (300–500 words with 5–7 keywords): 15 September 2026

Submission of Full Research Paper (3,000–5,000 words): 30 September 2026

Email for Submissions: [email protected]

Font Guidelines: Unicode (Mangal/Aparajita) or Times New Roman (font size 12 for English).

Registration & Fees

Research Paper Presenting Scholar: ₹ 700.00

Research Scholar: ₹ 300.00

Registration Link: Google Form Link
 

Bank Details:

Account Name: Thakur Ramsingh Itihas Sodh Sansthan
Account Number: 11500110080245
Bank: UCO Bank, Hamirpur, H.P.
IFSC Code: UCBA0001150
UPI ID: thakurramsingh80245@ucobank

Important Information

Accommodation and meals for participating scholars and research scholars will be arranged by the Institute. Local transportation facilities will also be provided by the Research Institute as required.